US 6,441,520 B1 · Power module

Abstract

A power module for a motor in which the module is arranged to house both the high power devices needed to drive the phase windings of the motor and the control electronics needed to control the operation of the high power devices. The components are arranged such that the thermal energy generated by the high power devices is directed away from the control electronics for subsequent dissipation. An insulated metal substrate is used as the base of the module for directing the thermal energy. Further, the module components can be easily assembled through the use of solderless resilient connections from the control electronics to the other components in the module. The module employs a base, a power shell coupled to the base, and a circuit board positioned within the internal chamber of the power shell. The power shell has a plurality of walls forming an internal chamber and at least one conductive region. At least one electronic device is mounted to the conductive region.

Claims12

Dependent claims

An insulated metal substrate plate for an electronic module, the plate comprising:

a thermally conductive metallic substrate;
a first insulating layer affixed to the metal substrate, the first insulating layer substantially covering the metal substrate;
at least two conductive regions being etched to form a plurality of discrete regions, at least one of said two conductive regions being affixed to the metal substrate;
a second insulating layer disposed between the at least two conductive regions;
a solder mask disposed on the at least one conductive region;
wherein the thickness of at least one of the conductive regions is approximately 0.0024 to approximately 0.0030 inches.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Power module

Life of this patent

Power module

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12